Federal, State, and Local Government Employment and Wages in 2024

In 2024, the Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) industry employed over 10.1 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3% from 2023. The annual mean wage in 2024 was $78,410, and the median wage was $66,880. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 15.4%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) held the largest number of jobs within the Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) industry, employing over 5.7 million people in 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $69,280, with a median wage of $60,790. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 1.7% to 2%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) accounted for a substantial employment share, with 2.2 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $107,530, and the median wage was $99,490. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 53.9% to 58.3%.

The sub-group of State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 2.2 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $72,560 and the median wage was $64,220. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 4% to 6.8%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) industry, we find that Registered Nurses had the highest annual mean wage in 2024, at $112,400, and a median wage of $106,520. The industry variance to the national average was 14.2%. Business Operations Specialists, All Other had an annual mean wage of $98,070 and a median wage of $92,750. The industry variance to the national average was 6.2%. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers had an annual mean wage of $79,830 and a median wage of $76,650. The industry variance to the national average was 0.6%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) industry included Office Clerks, General, with an annual mean wage of $48,200 and a median wage of $47,320. The industry variance to the national average was 6%. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive had an annual mean wage of $50,840 and a median wage of $48,140. The industry variance to the national average was 6.7%. Court, Municipal, and License Clerks had an annual mean wage of $51,380 and a median wage of $47,800. The industry variance to the national average was 0.4%.

Summary

In 2024, the Federal, State, and Local Government sector (excluding schools, hospitals, and the U.S. Postal Service) employed over 10.1 million people, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. The sector offered solid compensation, with an annual mean wage of $78,410 and a median wage of $66,880—15.4% above the national average. Local government roles accounted for the majority of employment, while the Federal Executive Branch led wage growth, with mean earnings reaching $107,530. High-paying occupations such as Registered Nurses and Business Operations Specialists stood out, though administrative roles like Office Clerks and Court Clerks remained on the lower end of the pay scale. The industry continues to provide stable employment with competitive wages, particularly in federal roles, and plays a critical role in public service delivery across the nation.